Tax Return Checklist

A simple, practical list of slips and documents commonly needed to prepare a Canadian tax return.

Start with the basics

Last year’s tax return and Notice of Assessment
Social Insurance Number (for you and your spouse/common-law partner)
List of dependents and exact birth dates

Tip: Bringing the Notice of Assessment helps confirm carry-forwards (RRSP room, tuition, capital losses) and reduces back-and-forth.

Prefer a quick handoff?

Download your slips from CRA “My Account” where available, and bring any missing paper slips or receipts.

Questions before booking?

Use the contact form and mention the type of return (personal, self-employed, rental, corporate) so the right checklist can be confirmed.

Income slips and statements

Common examples. Not everyone will have all of these.

Employment and benefits +

Salary or wages (T4)
Statement of Employment Insurance and other benefits (T4E)
Canada Pension Plan benefits (T4AP)
Old Age Security benefits (T4AOAS)
Social assistance (T5007)
Worker’s compensation (T5007)

Pensions and registered plans +

Pension, retirement, annuity and other income (T4A)
Registered Retirement Savings Plan income (T4RSP)
Registered Income Fund income (T4RIF)

Investments and other income +

Interest and dividends (T5)
Statements of trust income (T3)
Statement of securities transactions (T5008)
Canada Savings Bond interest benefits
Labour-sponsored fund tax credit (T5006)

Common deductions and credits

Bring receipts and supporting documents for any applicable items below.

Family and personal

Child care expenses (plus caregiver’s SIN)
Medical expenses
Charitable donations
Tuition fees / education amounts (T2202 / T2202A)
Student loan interest

Housing, commuting, and other

Property taxes or rent paid for the tax year
Monthly transit passes and receipts (where eligible)
Union dues
Political donations
Interest expenses (supporting statements)

RRSP and disability

RRSP contributions (receipts)
Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201) if first year of claim or previous certificate expired

Non-resident dependents: If claiming credits for a non-resident spouse or children, include birth dates, complete addresses, and proof of payments (for example, money order receipts) sent to dependents.

Bring anything that feels “important”

If there was a major change during the year (new job, separation, new child, rental property, self-employment, sale of investments), bring related documents. It’s easier to ignore extra paperwork than to guess what’s missing.